Diplomatic efforts continue over Sri Lanka

As the fighting continues in Sri Lanka, diplomatic efforts are continuing in Delhi to find a peaceful solution.

A Norwegian special envoy, Erik Solheim, flew in from Colombo to brief Indian officials about his talks with Sri Lankan leaders.

Mr Solheim said he had received encouragement from India about Norway's role as a facilitator.

Also visiting Delhi was the United States Under-Secretary of State, Thomas Pickering, who said Washington also supported Norway's initiative and would support any such role for India. Mr Pickering, who is the first senior official to visit India since President Clinton, goes to Pakistan on Thursday and then to Sri Lanka.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service